What does Swift say is the problem facing the nation in the 2nd paragraph of the essay?
Swift is alive to the fact there is a large number of children along the streets asking for money and other favors from people passing despite the fact the Kingdom is in a poor state. In effect, it poses a significant challenge to the nation. He, therefore, proposes that whoever could devise a way of making the children productive would help the nation a great deal.
Swift uses the word “dam” in paragraph 4. What does it traditionally mean? What attitude towards poor women does this suggest?
The word “dam” as used by Swift has a traditional implication or meaning. It denotes grave due to its correlation with a word in Greek, taphos. It implies the womb of women that only holds the children in custody as they await the unfriendly life upon their birth.
The reference portrays an attitude of regarding women as objects that only impound or hold back problems for sometimes. The assertion reduces women to mere economic commodities, statistical entities and ultimately to animals. It portrays women as hapless and unable to sustainably provide for their infants, subjecting them to bizarre life.
At what age can children be made useful to society?
Swift argues that children below twelve years are not saleable commodities. He argues that even if they were to be sold, they would produce a paltry amount, not even enough to meet the cost that was incurred in raising them. It therefore, implies that children can only be made useful after the age of twelve years.
What does Swift’s American acquaintance have to say about children as food? What does this make you think about individuals from America at that time?
The acquaintance claims the poor children are known to make great delicacies when prepared or cooked for consumption. The assertions above portray Americans as caricatures. It makes me think of American citizens, at that moment, as those with deplorable values and moral decadence.
What exactly is Swift’s proposal for the poor children of Ireland?
Swift proposes to cater for the needy children in a bid to empower them and ensure that they become resourceful to other thousands. In his proposal, he suggests that the children should not depend on their parents for necessities but rather get the appropriate empowerment to also help others in future.
6. What is the proposal for lads and maidens between the ages of 12 and 14?
A proposal is made that will allow for the lads and maidens to be used as a substitute for the deer meat whenever such was lacking. It would be made possible by the fact that these teenagers are unable to fend for themselves due to high levels of poverty.
7. Who did that idea in question 6 come from?
The idea above came from Swift’s friend whom he described as worthy and a true patriot.
8. What are the six advantages of Swift’s proposal?
First, the proposal will reduce in number, the Papists. These are assumed to be the ones responsible for breeding besides them being perceived as the true enemies of the people.
Secondly, the proposal will enable the poor people leaving in rentals to acquire something worth calling theirs. It will, therefore, be possible for them to meet some merger costs such as rent.
Thirdly, the proposal will see an increase in level of stock the country will acquire per year. The new food introduced to the gentlemen will also lead to an increase in profit margin. As a result, money will be able to circulate in the economy.
Fourthly, the proposal will also be instrumental in ridding of the cost of taking care of the children above one year by the breeders.
Fifthly, under this proposal, food would bring great incomes through the sale of wines. As a result, the sellers would be able to purchase more beautiful clothes that are important in attracting the attention of men.
Lastly, the proposal will be increase the willingness of people to marry and stay in such marriages as a result of increase in motherly love. Men too would be attracted to their wives.
9. What are the real reasons for the problems in Ireland?
The real causes of the problems in Ireland could be associated with some of the regulations put in place by the government. Such policies have ensured the children of Ireland are left destitute thus unable to cater for their individual needs due to high levels of poverty. This is as a result of neglect by government that failed to put the available land into meaningful use or even build houses to cater for the rapidly growing population. These policies too allowed these kids to be exported so that they could be utilized as delicacies.
Moreover, the problems in Ireland also emanated from the papists who were the greatest enemies of the nation as well as the leading breeders.
10. How is the title ironic?
The irony in the title is portrayed when it tags the proposals as modest. The title mocks the attitudes he considers heartless shown towards the poor as well as the policies towards the Irish. It justifies the belief that in spite of the inclinations of his audience both in the national as well as religious spheres or their social and economic positions will acknowledge the importance of protecting children as such no modesty in eating them.
